NBA Action has been back for two weeks now, with the NBA Summer League. Teams and fans have begun to get a glimpse into the near future. Seeing their newly acquired players in action for the very first time, and making many premature judgments and overreactions.
One team in particular, the Memphis Grizzlies, finds themselves in an interesting position. As former two-time Collegiate National Player of the Year, Zach Edey has only suited up for two games. Falling with minor ankle injuries in both of his performances. However, in his debut game against the Utah Jazz, Edey finished the game. Finishing with 14 points 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Against one of the top defensive centers in the NBA today, Walker Kessler.
Zach Edey was said to sit out of the 2024 Paris Olympics in order to prepare for the season and play in the Summer League. Needless to say, things have not gone as planned. Despite only playing in two Summer League games, Edey impressed to the point where many feel it’s time for the Grizzlies to sit him out for the remainder of the event. Feeling he has shown enough, and the risk of injury is too great. The Memphis Grizzlies front office has claimed that Edey is set to return at some point during the event. However, with the Summer League nearing the tail end, many Grizzlies fans are getting frustrated.
Has Zach Edey Shown Enough in Summer League?
Zach Edey is one of the most polarizing stars in recent History. Many fans and analysts across the NBA feel like his success in college was a fluke. Believing that his game would not translate to the NBA level. However, despite all of the early criticism, Edey went on to have a dominant debut game. Playing against the Utah Jazz’s starting Center Walker Kessler. A center that is both tall enough and big enough to challenge Edey. Along with Keyonte George, a point guard who can score at a high level. Fresh off of an All-Rookie Second Team nomination. Making this matchup a perfect gauge to measure Edey. Both offensively and defensively. Forcing Edey to play in many pick-and-roll situations.
As previously mentioned, Edey finished the game with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Being the rim deterrent and rebounder that the Memphis Grizzlies’ front office hoped for. Even showed a couple of hook shots that many fans felt wouldn’t translate.
Game 2 was a much shorter experience. Playing nine minutes total, and potentially finishing his NBA Summer League action with another ankle injury. Despite limited action, Edey impressed early. Scoring the Memphis Grizzlies’ first points of the game, and forcing many double teams in the post.
In his second performance, it appeared that he was more of a focal point offensively. Passing the ball into the post seemingly more times in game two than in a full game of time in game one. Showing doubters that he will be here to stay. Making the simple and right decisions. If there is anything that game 2 showed, it’s that Edey will be more of a threat than many thought.
How Zach Edey Fits into the Picture Long-Term
At Purdue, Zach Edey was asked to be THE guy. Doing a little bit of everything, as he led his team to a NCAA Men’s Nation Championship appearance. Ultimately falling to fellow draft lottery classmates Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, and the UConn Huskies. Scoring 37 points along with 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Doing so on top prospect Clingan. Ending his illustrious collegiate career. Finishing as one of the greatest collegiate players in recent memory.
While at Purdue Edey was asked to carry the load, in Memphis, Edey will be playing with one of the premiere players in today’s game in Ja Morant. A player who will not only be one of the league’s top scorers next season but also one of the league’s top passers. This means that Edey will have a lighter load offensively to fully focus on his other strengths. Strengths such as rebounding, rim protection, and a very underappreciated aspect of the game, screening. Opening up scoring opportunities for others with his sheer size alone. With Ja Morant leading the helm, and guys like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr right behind, Edey will at best be the team’s 4th option. Assuming that isn’t already Marcus Smart, or ideally GG Jackson continues to take another leap.
Having Zach Edey as your 4th or 5th option would be a dream come true for most teams, as the 7-foot-4-inch center can fully focus on rebounding and defense. Rebounding an area that is of dire need with former center Steven Adams being traded to the Houston Rockets last season. The Memphis Grizzlies struggled tremendously in this area last season. Making one of their usual strengths a glaring weakness. Even seeing their paint scoring drop significantly. Both areas that Edey strives in.
As it currently stands, the Memphis Grizzlies are projected to start a lineup of Ja Morant(PG), Desmond Bane(SG), Marcus Smart(SF), Jaren Jackson Jr.(PF), and Zach Edey(C). Marcus Smart is the one question mark in this starting unit; however, the lack of size in the backcourt is made up for with one of the league’s biggest frontcourts.
Upon drafting Edey, Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman stated that teams would be forced to adjust to them. Referring to the size of both Edey and Jackson combined. Making many teams have to play an uncomfortable style of basketball that they wouldn’t play otherwise. Memphis has a variety of frontcourt combinations that will allow them to adjust to any style of play. Having a more traditional center in Zach Edey, and modern-day bigs in Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama. Making Memphis one of the teams that will easily be able to adjust to others, and almost impossible to adjust against.
The Big Picture
Memphis Grizzlies fans and front office should be pleased with what they have seen from Zach Edey so far. Proving many of his pre-draft doubts wrong in only two games of NBA Summer League action. Proving his ability to guard effectively in drop coverage in his debut against Keyonte George, and showing more of his offensive ability in game 2. Scoring the Grizzlies’ first points of the contest on a hook shot.
What is most impressive about Zach Edey in his NBA Summer League performances has not been anything Edey has done himself, but how others respond to his presence. The Zach Edey effect has already begun, as with his 7-foot-4-inch frame and 7-foot-10-inch wingspan, Edey will almost at all times be the biggest man on the court. Causing many players to second-guess decisions at the rim. Forcing them to go up with tough finishes to get around his large frame. Pair this with Block Panther Jaren Jackson Jr., and you have one of the most threatening interior defenses in recent history.
In Memphis, Zach Edey will be paired alongside multiple elite defenders. Defenders such as former Defensive Player(s) of the Year Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr, and upcoming talent Vince Williams Jr. Making the Grizzlies similar to elite teams such as the Timberwolves, Celtics, and Thunder. Teams who all have multiple elite defenders.
If Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies can stay healthy this upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, we will be in for one of the most exciting redemption stories. Seeing a team that many overlooked due to recency bias and injury return to form. Potentially even being scarier than before. Edey unlocks this Grizzlies team like nothing before, because Edey brings everything the Grizzlies so missed in Steven Adams and much more. With his ability to punish mismatches nearly every time. Something Adams struggled with during his tenure with the Grizzlies. Zach Edey has started to silence many of his criticisms; however, he still has room to grow. Regardless of your opinion on Edey the individual, it is undeniable the impact he will have in Memphis this season.
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